LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Authorities were providing extra patrols at Jewish facilities and Hanukkah events throughout Los Angeles County Sunday after a deadly attack in Australia killed at least 11 people who were gathered at a beach to celebrate the first day of the Jewish holiday.Authorities were providing extra patrols at Jewish facilities and Hanukkah events throughout Los Angeles County Sunday after a deadly attack in Australia killed at least 11 people who were gathered at a beach to celebrate the first day of the Jewish holiday.
"The Los Angeles Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting attack that occurred during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish Community in Australia and here in Los Angeles, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence," the LAPD said in a statement shortly after news of the tragedy broke.
"While there is no known threat to Los Angeles at this time, the LAPD remains vigilant and committed to protecting out diverse communities. As part of this commitment, the LAPD will provide extra patrols at Jewish facilities, schools, synagogues and at Hanukkah events throughout the city," the statement continued.
"The LAPD will continue to work closely with our local, national, and international partners to monitor developments and ensure the safety of our city. Together, we can honor the spirit of Hanukkah by standing united against hate and violence."
The LAPD further advised the public to "maintain heightened situational awareness when attending religious services or community gatherings," and to call 911 to report anything suspicious.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued a similar statement.
"The (LASD) extends its deepest condolences to the victims and families affected by today's tragic shooting in Australia," officials wrote.
"We are actively assessing any potential threats to Los Angeles County and have increased patrol checks at critical facilities. All patrol personnel will be briefed to ensure heightened situational awareness and continued vigilance. In addition, we will be reaching out to our faith-based partners and community leaders to encourage the public to promptly report any suspicious activity. Violence has no place in our society. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting our communities and ensuring public safety throughout Los Angeles County."
The Beverly Hills Police Department also said it would increase security around the city's Jewish institutions, telling City News Service that the extra patrols would last until Dec. 23.
At least 11 people were reported killed in the attack, which took place at Sydney's Bondi Beach as hundreds of Jews gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. Local authorities there described it as a targeted antisemitic attack.
Authorities also said there were two known suspects in the attack. One was killed and the other was said to be hospitalized in critical condition.
"The mass murder in Sydney today is yet another horrific antisemitic act of terror on the Jewish community. This senseless attack on Australian Jews who had gathered on Bondi Beach to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah and the miracle of lights is a devastating reminder that antisemitism continues to rise around the world. I strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday morning.
"Los Angeles holds the Jewish community in Australia and here at home in our hearts. We have reached out to the Australian Consul General in Los Angeles with our deepest condolences and support," Bass added. "The LAPD has already increased patrols near places of worship and in communities tonight, during the first night of Hanukkah and throughout the holiday."
Developer Rick Caruso, who lost the 2022 mayor's race to Bass and is thought to be considering a run for mayor again or possibly for governor next year, issued the following statement:
"As I grapple with the devastating news from Brown University and Australia, I am comforted by the words of a dear friend, Rabbi Lchaim Zushe, who said to me this morning: `We are filled with an even greater resolve to bring light, comfort, and strength to our community. Moments like these remind us how vital it is to stand together and uplift one another."
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles said the organization was "horrified by the antisemitic terrorist shooting in Australia. This was a deliberate terrorist act targeting the Jewish community in Sydney as they celebrated the first night of Chanukah and must be loudly and clearly called out as antisemitism.
"The security of the Jewish community is the top priority of #JewishFederations across North America. All Federations and their community security initiatives are on full alert for the Chanukah celebrations in their communities, working with all our law enforcement partners," the statement continued.
" ... Our community will never retreat in the face of hatred, and will never refrain from carrying on our Jewish traditions. Rather, we will use every tool at our disposal to make sure our communities are safe and that our lights burn all the brighter."
The national Muslim Public Affairs Council also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms. ... Events meant to celebrate faith, community, and peace should never devolve into scenes of terror and loss. We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and stand in heartfelt solidarity with the Jewish community in Sydney and around the world. Antisemitism and violence have no place in our societies."
President Donald Trump also condemned the attack on Sunday, while encouraging Jews to "celebrate proudly -- be proud of who you are," according to Fox News.
Trump also praised a Muslim bystander who reportedly charged one of the gunmen and took his gun away before being shot himself, apparently by another gunman. The man, identified as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed, can be see in dramatic news video rushing one of the shooters and wrestling the gun away, then pointing it at the man he disarmed.
"Very, very brave person, who went and frontally attacked one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives," Trump said. "Very brave person, right now in the hospital, wounded. Great respect to the man that did that."